For 93 years, the United States has celebrated Veterans Day or at least a form of it with parades, speeches and celebrations commemorating the sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces. Nov. 11 is set aside to recognize those who have experienced firsthand the tragedies and triumphs of war both abroad and domestically.
This year, Veterans Day holds a special significance for the LGBT community because it is the first time in the history of our Armed Forces that soldiers in all branches can serve openly. The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was a major human rights victory in 2011 and its end rightly deserves to be celebrated. It’s a historic milestone we can’t take lightly.
Seeing gay and lesbian soldiers celebrating with their partners is inspiring, and Americans should be proud that the most powerful military in the world finally recognizes the contributions of all its soldiers. Any controversy surrounding the repeal is already dissipating as the military consistently reports no issues among its ranks related to the updated policy.
LGBT veterans groups have planned special celebrations this year and LGBT organizations are stepping up to make those events parties to remember.
But we can’t let the victory of DADT’s repeal overshadow the meaning of Veterans Day. The 11th day in the 11th month, marking the end of World War I in 1918, is and always will be about those men and women in uniform gay and straight who made us safer in the past and continue to protect our future.
The week before this issue of Watermark went to press, I met a young man working out at the gym. We struck up a casual conversation while sharing nearby equipment and I couldn’t help but notice the scarring on the back of his left calf and the titanium leg supporting his weight where his right calf used to be.
As we chatted idly about the efforts involved with keeping in shape and wondered aloud why a nearby flat screen television wasn’t showing ESPN’s latest broadcast, he shared that his trip to the gym was part of his therapy. His military doctor at nearby Bay Pines Veteran’s Hospital suggested the gym for both his physical and mental health. He was determined to stay active despite his injury and never once seemed deterred by his medical situation.
I didn’t pry, but the former soldier in his late 20s motioned to the silver, titanium leg when he mentioned that he served in Afghanistan. I can only guess as to the cause of his injury a roadside bomb or maybe a vehicle accident in the desert. All he shared was that he lost his leg in the Afghanistan war.
After wrapping up my set, I shook his hand, wished him luck with his workout and thanked him for serving in the military. I don’t know which branch of the military he served, if he’s a Florida native, or if he has a wife and children or a partner/husband.
It didn’t and shouldn’t matter. He volunteered to fight in a war representing America’s interests. That is what is truly important. Whether he prefers the company of men or women in the bedroom doesn’t lessen his sacrifice.
It’s no secret that the United States has its fair share of problems. The economy is still on the mend, political candidates sling mud like children throwing snowballs in a snowstorm, and marriage equality and sexuality continue to make headlines in newspapers and on news shows across the country.
We’re divided on many things, but we should not be divided when it comes to recognizing the contributions of our veterans. DADT is history and celebrating its defeat is the right thing to do, and so is celebrating all veterans.
If you see a soldier or a veteran this Nov. 11 or any day after that smile, acknowledge, or even shake their hand in appreciation of their service. Because whether their sexuality is the same as yours or not isn’t the point; it is their combined sacrifices that have helped us reach the milestone that is Veterans Day 2011.
